Zone Traffic Violations in Oklahoma- What You Need To Know

Have you ever been driving and realize you are entering a construction or school zone and are required to reduce your speed? These scenarios can be inconvenient, however they are crucial to the safety of workers and students alike in the area you are driving.

In this article we will discuss the importance of these types of zones and the consequences of traffic violations within them.

 

Consequences of a Construction Zone Traffic Violation 

 

Roadway construction zones are in place for the maintenance completion and safety of workers. In these zones there may be detours, speed limitations, warning signs, and usually signs that state fine amounts if you were to speed or hit a construction worker. 

In all construction zones, fines double when convicted of speeding only in an active work zone. Oklahoma State Statute cites 47 O.S. § 11-806 (OSCN 2023), 

“C. Where any state or federal highway or turnpike shall be under construction, maintenance, or repair or when a detour shall have been designated by reason of construction, maintenance, or repairs in progress and a maximum safe, careful, and prudent speed shall have been determined by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation on the highway or highway detour or by the Oklahoma Transportation Authority on the turnpike or turnpike detour during the period of the construction, maintenance, or repairs and shall have plainly posted by changeable message or other appropriate sign at each terminus thereof and at not less than each half mile along the route thereof the determined maximum speed, no person shall drive any vehicle upon the portion of the highway or the highway detour or upon the portion of the turnpike or the turnpike detour at a speed in excess of the speed so determined and posted. Violation of the posted speed limit in the repair, maintenance, or construction zone shall result in the doubling of the appropriate fine. For purposes of this section, “repair, maintenance, or construction zone” means any location where repair, maintenance, or construction work is actually in progress and workers present.”

It is important to note that such fines are only doubled when “construction work is actually in progress and workers present”, otherwise it is  considered and treated as a regular speeding ticket. 

 

Consequences of a School Zone Traffic Violation

 

The consequences of traffic violations in school zones are similar to construction zones. When driving through an active school zone during the times posted, the fines double. In most school zones, the speed reduces to 25mph, possibly 15mph in specific areas.

47 O.S. § 11-806.1 (OSCN 2023),

“Where any portion of a road, street, or highway is a properly marked school zone, as indicated with appropriate warning signs placed in accordance with the latest edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and a reduced speed limit as properly posted, shall be in effect during certain times due to the presence or potential presence of school children, no person shall drive any vehicle upon that portion of the highway which is the school zone in excess of the reduced speed limit so posted when the reduced speed limit is in effect. Violation of the posted reduced speed limit in the school zone shall result in the doubling of the appropriate fine.”

 

Your Options

 

It is crucial to pay attention to zone markers, especially if you are aware of one on your path. If convicted of one of these violations, results of hefty fines to pay and points could be added to your driving record. Contact OK Traffic Ticket Defense today. Upload your ticket, message us or call us to discuss your situation at no charge.